Mobile phone use on aircraft: ofcom

Ofcom today confirmed plans to enable airlines to offer mobile communication services on UK-registered aircraft, if they wish to do so. This will be subject to approval by the relevant UK and European aviation authorities - the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) and the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) in the UK
The technology will rely on a pico cell on the aircraft -- that's activated once the plane passes through 10,000 feet -- that links you up to the rest of the telecom world via satellite. Of course, (un)fortunately roadblocks still exist, as any airlines that want on board will need to have any equipment installed on aircraft checked out by the European Aviation Safety Agency.


Sources:
Ofcom
Engadget